Despite the prohibition on exporting weapons to conflict countries, Ukraine has recently acquired ammunition from a Swiss company, according to Defense One. The Ukrainian enterprise, Ukrainian Armor, made the purchase through a Polish importer from SwissP Defence, a Swiss firm. The ammunition includes 500,000 rounds of .308 Winchester and 145,000 rounds of .338 Lapua Magnum.
This acquisition has raised questions as it potentially violates Article 22a of the military property law, which prohibits Switzerland from selling weapons to countries involved in armed conflicts or those violating human rights, or at the risk of transferring weapons to an “undesirable country.”
It is worth mentioning that in June 2023, the Swiss cantonal council eased restrictions on the re-exportation of their weapons, but with certain conditions.
This news comes after the recent revelation of Ukraine’s procurement of ammunition from Turkey.
The purchase of ammunition from Switzerland adds to the growing concerns surrounding Ukraine’s weapon acquisitions. Critics argue that these purchases contradict the country’s commitment to peace and stability, as well as international regulations on arms trade.
The Ukrainian government has yet to respond to these allegations, leaving many speculating about the motives behind these controversial arms deals. It remains crucial for international organizations to closely monitor such transactions and ensure compliance with established norms and regulations.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize diplomatic solutions and uphold international laws to prevent further escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
